Saab/BMW Deal Signed

No sooner had I switched on the lap top after reaching Paris for tomorrow's auto show than an e-mail pinged through confirming the Saab-BMW deal I wrote about yesterday.

Under the purchase, supply and development agreement, BMW will supply Saab with 4-cylinder 1.6 litre turbocharged gasoline engines from 2012, these engines are built in the UK and are part of the BMW-PSA joint venture. The engines will be adapted to meet Saab's specific requirements and likely appear in the new 9-3 and rumored 9-2.

The contract was signed on Wednesday in Trollhättan, Sweden. Participating in the signing were Saab Automobile CEO, Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile chairman, Victor Muller and Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for sales and marketing.

Announcing the deal, Jan Åke Jonsson said: "It gives me great pleasure to confirm this exciting new relationship. BMW's engines and their fuel savings innovations are widely regarded as a benchmark in the premium segment. We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way."

Victor Muller, added: "This is a major step forward for Saab on our journey to becoming a profitable independent premium car maker. In line with our strategy, we will continue to capitalise on our own engineering expertise while also working with the very best partners. This relationship will enable both parties to explore further opportunities in the future."

While Ian Robertson, commented: "As part of our Strategy Number ONE we are continuing to expand our powertrain sales business worldwide. Today's agreement marks another important milestone along this route. Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance and we are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise."

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Finally here's Lambo's last teaser shot of its car we'll see in a few hours time – definitely looks like a large rear wing in the background but is that an air intake or exhaust outlet ahead of it?

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